Sci-Tech’s David Petrie-Dolphin advises farmers and vets to utilise laboratory analysis for optimal animal health and production

At MSD’s recent Respiratory Health Conference, David Petrie-Dolphin, Business Development Manager at Sci-Tech, told livestock farmers and veterinary professionals that robust laboratory analysis is the best way to diagnose and screen porcine diseases for optimal health and production.

‘Carrying out analysis for veterinary diagnostics is key to verifying the disease status of the herd, to confirm suspected illness after clinical observations have taken place, and to provide an independent evidence source,’ David said. ‘Serology and PCR screening allow rapid detection of specific antibodies or antibody-like substances that appear in association with certain diseases. Results can be used by vets and producers to diagnose the disease, determine animal vaccination status, prevent further spread of pathogens, and apply for transportation or export certificates.

‘Ultimately, the best thing livestock producers can do is to set a baseline for their farm with regular, UKAS accredited analysis. This will allow them to trend their farm’s performance based on certain disease characteristics over time and effectively improve productivity and profitability.’

The conference educated producers and vets on recent vaccination and animal health developments for the porcine industry. It was held on 26^th & 27^th April 2023 in at MSD’s UK headquarters in Milton Keynes. David spoke alongside other specialists and experts in the animal health fields, including Monika Ptaszynska-Sutton, Specialist Immunologist at MSD, who discussed antibody mechanisms and responses in animals. David’s lecture followed on perfectly, talking about how to detect these responses through the laboratory diagnostics services undertaken by Sci-Tech’s site in Dungannon.

‘Helping our customers better understand the best ways to take and submit samples, as well as the role of veterinary diagnostics analysis as a whole, is vital,’ said David. ‘Many vets and producers are interested in how best to supply samples, the best types to submit, and in sample stability. Getting a chance to talk to current and potential customers directly about how sample handling for different analysis can influence the results achieved was a great opportunity. This gives a better understanding and will help improve the precision and reliability of results. We are happy to discuss the sampling requirements and the aims of the customer to enable them to get the best solution for their needs. This will help customers accurately diagnose diseases and take action quickly, helping to improve animal health and productivity overall.’

Sci-Tech has decades of experience in specialist diagnostics analysis. The business’ UKAS accredited services include Salmonella screening, mineral and potable water screening, PCR screening, serology, and digestate and compost testing. These help vets and livestock farmers monitor their animals and take decisive action before any disease impacts the flock or herd, potentially affecting animal welfare and public health as well as productivity and profitability.

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